SUWANEE -- Although Latin is considered a dead language, 18-year-old Ho Lim Lee says teacher Patrick Yaggy has a knack for bringing it to life.

Lee, an 18-year-old senior at North Gwinnett High School, was selected as the STAR student at her school, an honor bestowed on the student with the highest SAT score.

Lee, who scored a 2270, in turn got to select a STAR teacher, someone who has influenced her in a great way.

She chose Yaggy, a Latin teacher at the high school, who she says "is very enthusiastic about what he teaches and makes the subject come alive."

In its 53rd year, the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program honors students from each school with the top SAT score and scholastic standing, along with the student's chosen STAR teacher.

A luncheon is planned for Feb. 20, where Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks, principals from each high school, and the parents of the high-achieving young adults, will be recognized.

Yaggy said Lee is very deserving of the recognition.

"She's a good person through and through, and that really goes a long way," Yaggy said. "When she says she's going to do something she does it, and she helps others as well."

In addition, Yaggy said Lee "handles stress well. She's taking so many AP classes, and she has an incredible GPA. She works hard and does not complain about her work."

Lee said Yaggy's Latin class has helped her greatly in her endeavors.

"It's had a big influence on my high school career," Lee said. "I have developed as a person and as a leader because of that class."

It's Yaggy's 12th year teaching at North Gwinnett High School, but it's his first time having been selected as a STAR teacher. "It's a great feeling," he said. "I'm happy to have a student like (Lee) who enjoys the class. She's a really great student, and I would say a young woman like her can go anywhere she wants in life. She's proven that when she puts her mind to something she can do it."

Comments

Both my husband and I were in Yaggy's Latin 1 class in his first year of teaching, and stuck with him through Latin IV. He really does make you love Latin; so much so that my husband got two degrees: Latin and Classics from UGA. He is now preparing for an MBA. I'm proud to see him be recognized as a STAR Teacher.